Vietnam on a Budget: How to Travel Vietnam for $50 a Day (or Less!)

Vietnam is renowned for being an incredibly affordable travel destination, making it a dream come true for budget-conscious explorers. This comprehensive guide, crafted by the travel experts at Sun Getways Travel, will break down exactly how you can enjoy Vietnam’s wonders on a lean budget, offering practical tips, specific cost estimates, and insider advice to help you maximize every dollar. Our goal is to empower you to experience the best of this captivating country, proving that you can absolutely travel Vietnam for $50 a day (or less!).

1. Understanding Your Budget: What Does $50 a Day Look Like in Vietnam?

A budget of $50 a day in Vietnam is more than feasible for a comfortable and enriching experience, especially if you embrace local living and make smart choices. This amount allows you to enjoy abundant delicious food, find decent and clean accommodation, get around efficiently, and even squeeze in some captivating activities and cultural experiences. It won’t be luxury travel, but it will be authentic, immersive, and incredibly memorable, proving that your Vietnam trip cost doesn’t have to be exorbitant for an amazing adventure.

Here’s a general framework for how your $50 daily budget might be allocated, keeping in mind that flexibility is key:

• ✨ Accommodation: $10 – $15 (Focus on hostels, guesthouses, or very basic budget hotels)
• ✨ Food & Drinks: $10 – $15 (Primarily street food and local eateries)
• ✨ Local Transportation: $5 – $10 (Utilizing Grab/Gojek motorbikes, local buses, or walking)
• ✨ Activities & Sightseeing: $10 – $15 (Prioritizing free or low-cost attractions, occasional paid entry)
• ✨ Miscellaneous & Buffer: $5 – $10 (SIM card, small purchases, unexpected expenses, or saving for larger tours)

2. Accommodation: Where to Sleep Soundly on a Shoestring

Accommodation will often be one of your largest daily expenses, but Vietnam offers an incredible array of budget-friendly options, meaning you won’t have to compromise on safety or cleanliness to stay within your $50 daily limit. The key is knowing where to look and being strategic with your bookings.

1. Hostels ($5 – $10 per night): Your Ultimate Budget Ally Vietnam has arguably one of the best hostel scenes in Southeast Asia. These aren’t just bare-bones dorms; many offer fantastic amenities and a vibrant social atmosphere.

• ✨ Dorm Beds: For the absolute lowest price, a dorm bed in a well-regarded hostel will typically cost you between $5 and $8 per night. You can find options with air conditioning, individual reading lights, charging points, and secure lockers. Many even include a simple free breakfast (often toast, eggs, or fruit) and sometimes even a complimentary beer during happy hour. This not only saves you money on accommodation but also a meal!
• ✨ Added Value: Many hostels offer free city maps, tour booking services (often at competitive prices), laundry services (for a small fee), and sometimes even free walking tours.

2. Guesthouses (Nha Nghi) & Budget Hotels ($10 – $20 per night): More Privacy, Still Affordable If you prefer a private room but still want to keep costs down, local guesthouses (Nha Nghi) and small budget hotels are excellent choices.

• ✨ Amenities: These typically offer private rooms with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning or a fan, and often a small TV. They might lack the communal vibe of a hostel but provide a quiet retreat after a day of exploring.
• ✨ Location: Often family-run, these establishments are usually found in central locations or slightly off the main tourist drag, offering a more local feel.
• ✨ Booking Tip: Let the Experts Help You Find the Best Value: It’s not always easy to find good-quality stays at great prices — especially during busy seasons. That’s why it’s smart to reach out to trusted providers like Sun Getaways Travel. With a wide network of reliable partners across all budget levels, they can help you access exclusive rates and ensure your stay is both comfortable and great value.

3. Homestays ($10 – $25 per night): An Immersive Cultural Experience Particularly popular in rural areas like the Mekong Delta, Sapa, or specific cultural towns like Hoi An, homestays offer a unique opportunity to stay with a local family.

• ✨ Cultural Immersion: This is an incredible way to learn about Vietnamese daily life, traditions, and cuisine. Many homestays include a home-cooked dinner with the family (often for a small extra charge or included in the price), which is an invaluable experience.
• ✨ Value: While some can be slightly above the $15 mark, the value derived from the cultural exchange and often included meals makes them incredibly budget-friendly for the experience offered.

3. Where to Book Your Stay for the Best Deals

• ✨ Local Expertise: Our team at Sun Getways Travel has extensive local knowledge. We work directly with a network of trusted hostels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly hotels across Vietnam. We know which places offer the best value, are clean, safe, and well-located for budget travelers.
• ✨ Exclusive Rates: Due to our long-standing relationships with local establishments, we often have access to exclusive rates that aren’t available on public booking sites. This means you can get better quality accommodation for the same price, or the same quality for an even lower price.
• ✨ Tailored Recommendations: Tell us your preferences – whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple looking for privacy, or a small group – and your exact budget, and our travel consultants will recommend and book the perfect accommodation for you.
• ✨ Peace of Mind: Booking through Sun Getways Travel adds an extra layer of security. We ensure you’re placed in legitimate, reputable establishments, minimizing any booking hassles or surprises upon arrival.
• ✨ Package Deals: Sometimes, bundling your accommodation with transportation or a specific tour through us can unlock even greater savings.

To get the best budget-friendly accommodation recommendations and secure your bookings, simply contact Sun Getways Travel’s dedicated travel consultants today! We’re here to help you plan every aspect of your affordable Vietnamese adventure.

4. Food & Drinks: A Culinary Journey for Pennies

Street food is king here, offering an explosion of flavors at unbelievably low prices, stretching your Vietnam travel budget so you can allocate a significant portion of your $50 budget to other experiences.

1. Embrace Street Food ($1 – $3 per dish): Your Daily Culinary Adventure This is where you will save the most money and eat the most authentic, delicious food. Vietnamese street food is renowned worldwide for its freshness, variety, and incredible flavors.

• ✨ Staples: Dive into classics like Phở (beef or chicken noodle soup), Bún Chả (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles – a Hanoi specialty), Bánh Mì (the iconic Vietnamese baguette sandwich, filled with various meats, pâté, and fresh herbs), Gỏi Cuốn (fresh spring rolls), and Cơm Tấm (broken rice with grilled pork chop).
• ✨ Local Secret: Look for bustling stalls with plastic stools, crowded with locals. This is usually a sign of good, safe, and authentic food. Don’t be afraid to try different vendors – each might have a slightly different take on a dish.
• ✨ Cost Breakdown Examples:
  • ⚡ Bowl of Phở (street stall): $1.50 – $2.50
  • ⚡ Bánh Mì: $1 – $1.50 (often a full meal on its own)
  • ⚡ Portion of Gỏi Cuốn (2-3 rolls): $1 – $2
  • ⚡ Small plate of Cơm Tấm: $2 – $3.50

2. Local Restaurants (Quán Ăn) ($3 – $7 per meal): A Step Up in Comfort These are small, family-run eateries that are slightly more expensive than street stalls but still very affordable. They often specialize in a few dishes and provide a bit more seating comfort.

• ✨ Variety: Quán Ăn can offer a wider variety of regional dishes, from seafood in coastal towns to specific noodle dishes unique to a province.
• ✨ Hygiene: Generally, these places have slightly better hygiene standards than the smallest street stalls, though still very local.

3. Markets: Fresh & Affordable Produce If your accommodation has a shared kitchen (less common in hostels but available in some guesthouses/homestays), visiting local markets is incredibly cheap for fresh produce, fruits, and snacks. This can be a fun way to try local fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, or mangosteen.

4. Drinks: Stick to Local, Save Big Beverage choices can significantly impact your budget.

• ✨ Local Beer (Bia Hơi): This fresh, light draft beer is incredibly cheap, often costing as little as $0.50 – $1 per glass. It’s a quintessential Vietnamese experience, especially on hot evenings.
• ✨ Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): The famous iced coffee with condensed milk is a must-try and very affordable ($1 – $1.50). Black coffee (Cà Phê Đen Đá) is even cheaper.
• ✨ Nuoc Mia (Sugarcane Juice): A refreshing, sweet, and cheap option, especially on a hot day ($0.50 – $1).
• ✨ Bottled Water: Widely available and inexpensive. Always drink bottled water.
• ✨ Avoid: Western soft drinks, imported beers, and spirits will quickly inflate your daily costs.

5. Transportation: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

Efficient and affordable transportation is key to maximizing your $50 daily budget in Vietnam. These low-cost options play a big role in keeping your Vietnam average daily cost manageable — from ultra-cheap local buses to convenient ride-hailing apps and cost-effective overnight travel.

1. Walking & Cycling (Free!)

The Best Way to Explore
For short distances within cities and towns, walking is your best friend. It’s free, allows you to soak in the atmosphere, and discover hidden alleys.

Free Bike Rentals
Many guesthouses and hostels, especially in places like Hoi An or Phong Nha, offer free bicycle rentals — perfect for exploring at your own pace.

2. Local Buses ($0.30 – $1 per ride):

For the Savvy Explorer
In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, public buses are incredibly cheap.

Navigation Tips
They can be a bit daunting at first, but apps like Google Maps help you find routes and stops easily. This is the ultimate budget choice for getting around the city.

3. Motorbike Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps ($1 – $5 per ride):

Convenience Meets Affordability
For slightly longer distances, motorbike taxis are fast and everywhere. But for transparent pricing, use ride-hailing apps.

✨ Car Options
For more comfort or if you have luggage, cars are a good option — still budget-friendly but pricier than bikes.

✨ Benefits of Ride Apps

• Fixed pricing (no haggling)
• GPS tracking for safety
• Cashless payments

4. Overnight Buses & Trains ($10 – $30 per journey)

Covering Long Distances Efficiently
For traveling between cities, overnight buses and trains are both affordable and time-saving.

✨ Sleeper Buses
These connect major tourist spots and offer reclining seats or beds. A bonus: you save on accommodation. Prices range from $10–$25 depending on distance and operator.

✨ Trains (Vietnam Railways)
The Reunification Express is scenic and more comfortable. Sleeper berths (hard or soft) cost around $15–$30 for long routes — still within budget.

✨ Booking Tip
Book through hostels, travel agencies (like Sun Getways Travel), or stations directly. Reserve early during holidays or peak travel times.

5. Domestic Flights ($30 – $80+)

For Time-Sensitive Journeys
Budget airlines like Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways offer low fares if booked early or during promotions.

When to Fly
Flying is ideal for long routes (e.g., Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) when you’re short on time.

Explore: Vietnam Trip Cost: A Complete Budget Breakdown for Every Travel Style

6. Activities & Sightseeing: Experiencing Vietnam Affordably

Many of Vietnam’s most iconic and enriching experiences are either free or come with a very low entrance fee, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture without depleting your $50 daily budget.

6.1. Free Activities: Immersion at No Cost

• ✨ Explore Old Quarters & Markets: Wander through the atmospheric Old Quarters of Hanoi or Hoi An. Get lost in the narrow streets, admire the colonial architecture, and soak in the vibrant street life. Visit local markets (like Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or Ben Thanh Market in HCMC) to experience the local hustle and bustle – a sensory feast.
• ✨ Visit Temples & Pagodas: Many beautiful Buddhist temples and pagodas across Vietnam have no entrance fee, or a very small voluntary donation is appreciated. These offer serene escapes and architectural beauty.
• ✨ Relax at Parks & Lakes: Spend time at local parks (like Tao Dan Park in HCMC or Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi) where you can observe locals exercising, practicing tai chi, or simply relaxing.
• ✨ Beaches: Vietnam boasts stunning coastlines. Enjoy free access to beautiful beaches in Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, or Phu Quoc.

6.2. Low-Cost Activities ($1 – $10): Cultural & Historical Insights

• ✨ Museums & Historical Sites: Most national museums (e.g., Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Museum) and historical sites (e.g., Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hue Imperial City) have entrance fees ranging from $1 to $5. These offer deep dives into Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
• ✨ Water Puppetry Shows: A unique Vietnamese art form, especially popular in Hanoi. Tickets typically cost around $3 – $7 for a mesmerizing performance.
• ✨ Bike Rentals: Many hostels and guesthouses offer bike rentals for $1-$3 per day, allowing you to explore smaller towns or rural areas at your own pace.
• ✨ Cable Cars/Boat Trips: For specific attractions like the Marble Mountains in Da Nang (elevator/cable car is extra) or boat trips in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), expect to pay around $5 – $10.

6.3. Major Excursions ($20 – $60+)

Splurges Worth Saving For While these might push you over the $50 daily budget on the day you do them, they are often considered must-do experiences and can be factored into your overall trip budget. You can balance them out by having cheaper days before or after.

• ✨ Halong Bay Cruise (Budget Option): A day trip or a 2-day/1-night cruise on a budget-friendly junk boat is achievable. Look for tours ranging from $40 – $70, which often include transfers from Hanoi, meals on board, and activities like kayaking or cave visits. Sun Getways Travel specializes in finding reputable and value-for-money Halong Bay tours that fit various budgets.
• ✨ Mekong Delta Tours: Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta typically cost $20 – $40, including transportation, boat trips, and visits to local workshops.
• ✨ Trekking in Sapa: Multi-day treks with a local Hmong guide and homestay accommodation in Sapa can be arranged for $30 – $50 per day (often including meals and accommodation). This is an incredible way to experience the stunning rice terraces and ethnic minority culture.
• ✨ Cu Chi Tunnels: A half-day tour from HCMC to the Cu Chi Tunnels typically costs $10 – $20, excluding the entrance fee (around $5).

7. Miscellaneous & Unexpected Costs: Don’t Forget the Small Stuff

Even on a tight budget, it’s wise to factor in a small amount for miscellaneous expenses and a buffer for unexpected situations as part of your overall budget for Vietnam trip.

• ✨ Local SIM Card ($5 – $10): Essential for navigation, and staying connected. A tourist SIM with ample data (e.g., 30GB for 30 days) usually costs around $5-$10. This is a crucial money-saver as it avoids expensive international roaming.
• ✨ Laundry ($1 – $3 per kg): Most hostels and guesthouses offer laundry services, or there are local laundromats.
• ✨ Snacks & Water: Beyond meals, you’ll want to grab extra water bottles, fresh fruit, or local snacks (e.g., roasted corn, sweet potatoes).
• ✨ Souvenirs: Factor in a small amount if you plan to buy small gifts or mementos.
• ✨ Visa Costs: This is a pre-trip expense but remember to include it in your overall budget planning. Visa fees vary by nationality and method (e-visa, visa on arrival).
• ✨ Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable, even on a budget. This protects you against medical emergencies, theft, or trip cancellations. While not a daily expense, it’s a vital

8. Insider Tips for Maximizing Your $50 Daily Budget in Vietnam

Beyond the breakdown of categories, these actionable tips will help you stretch your dollars even further and enhance your travel experience.

1. Embrace Street Food: Street food is cheap, authentic, and a cultural highlight. Choose busy stalls with locals for safe, tasty meals — it’s about more than saving money, it’s the real Vietnam.

2. Bargain Smartly: Negotiate at markets or with Xe Om drivers (not on apps). Offer 50–70% of the price, smile, and stay respectful. No need to bargain at restaurants or food stalls.

3. Drink Local: Stick to Bia Hơi, local coffee, and bottled water. Imported drinks are pricey. Bring a reusable bottle — many hostels offer free refills.

4. Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Motorbikes are cheaper than cars. A local SIM helps with easy booking.

5. Take Overnight Transport: Save on accommodation with sleeper buses or trains. You travel while you sleep — and arrive ready to explore.

6. Walk or Cycle: Explore towns on foot or by bike. It’s free and helps you discover local life. Many hostels offer free bike rentals, especially in places like Hoi An.

7. Stay Flexible: Adjusting your travel dates or destinations can unlock better deals. Shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct) offer good weather and lower costs.

8. Carry Small Bills: Vendors prefer exact change for small purchases. Keep VND 10k–50k notes handy.

9. Enjoy Free Attractions: Vietnam is full of free experiences — temples, markets, nature, and vibrant street life.

10. Book with Trusted Locals: Book tours through reputable agencies like Sun Getways Travel for better safety, value, and local insight — from Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta.

11. Pack Light: Avoid baggage fees by packing smart. Most hostels offer affordable laundry, so you won’t need to overpack.

9. FAQs

10. Conclusion

Traveling through Vietnam on a budget of $50 a day is not just a dream; it’s a reality for countless backpackers and savvy travelers from around the globe.

By embracing the vibrant local food scene, utilizing the incredibly affordable and efficient local transportation networks, and opting for clean and comfortable budget accommodations, you can easily stay within your budget.

Focus on the myriad of free or low-cost activities — from wandering historic old towns to exploring nature trails or enjoying beach sunsets — and you’ll find that your daily expenses remain surprisingly low.

As Ms. Ngoc Diem, our Senior Tour Designer at Sun Getaways Travel, often says, “Vietnam truly offers an experience for every wallet. The key is to travel smart, live like a local, and let the country’s incredible value surprise you at every turn. With a little planning and our expert guidance, your budget trip to Vietnam will be an unforgettable journey.”

Ready to plan your affordable Vietnamese adventure and start making those savvy travel choices? Explore our budget-friendly Vietnam tour packages and travel smart with Sun Getways Travel! Let us help you unlock the best of Vietnam, within your budget, and beyond your expectations.